[3] In the 2011 census the Office for National Statistics (ONS) identified a "Hayton (Allerdale) Built-up area", corresponding to the village, with a population of 237 in 94 households.

From 1921 to 1961 population gradually decreased to 214 which is likely to be due to the change in agricultural processes and the increased use of machinery which reduced the size of labourforce needed.

Due to its location on the North West coast and the mountainous geography of the area, the Lake District is the wettest region in the UK.

Annual daytime temperatures range from 7 °C in February to highs of 17 °C in June and then 9 °C in November[13] To the north-east of the village lies Hayton Castle, which on 11 April 1967 was officially listed as a Grade I building.

[14] The UK Census of 1881 gives clear indication of the main occupation of residents in Hayton and Mealo as the majority of the population was employed in agriculture.

On 22 June 1836 the Wigton Poor Law Union was established to represent 30 constituent townships and parishes of which Hayton & Mealo was included.

"[17] The origins of the name lie in Saxon times; Hay meaning 'animal feeding stalls' and Ton translating to 'house or farm'.